Hjermstad Lake near Tyler: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  Set in Murray County, Minnesota, this is Hjermstad Lake. Everything around it is lake country bush. At roughly 5 acres, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. It is a small entry by Murray County standards. The closest town, Tyler, is 9.6 miles distant. Sioux Falls sits 57 miles out, and it is the nearest city worth the name. It sits near the edge of the county, so check which rules apply.

• Where to Fish on Hjermstad Lake

  Depth went unrecorded, which puts the reading back on you. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Look for the band where the shallows give up and the bottom falls away. Murray County records list common carp, walleye, black bullhead, yellow perch and black crappie among the fish reported. Species recorded across the county may be limited to a few waters. Hjermstad Lake fishes better once you know its edges.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect July near 71°F and January near 12°F on the long-run figures. A hard winter is normal, and the thaw brings a strong few weeks. Look for the thaw near early April; the fishing lifts straight after. Going by climate averages, expect open water from about early April until roughly late November. The strong weeks are the first after break-up and the last before the freeze. Hjermstad Lake fishes to that pattern most years.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. Public data has parking about half a mile from the shore. The water borders Hjermstad Wildlife Management Area, Dather Slough Unit, so reserve rules are likely to apply. Walleye come to jigs worked slow near bottom, and to trolled crankbaits along the drops at dusk. Look for a notice board at the entrance. Close seasons apply to some species and not others. For a change of water, Hjermstad Slough is 1.5 miles distant. Ask locally about Hjermstad Lake if anything is unclear.